I'm feel a bit overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude that the judges were willing to think outside the box with me. I will admit to waking up on Friday morning with the thought, "They're announcing the winners today." I don't know how to balance the wishing to be humble part with the jumping up and down with excitement because you all liked my offering. I let lose with the jumping up and down part with family and close friends. :-)

Thanks to TheOneRing.net for the event. It *was* fun. And thanks to the sponsors, especially Houghton Mifflin. The boxed set will go on the shelf next to the LOTR boxed set I won in the Cryptic Crossword puzzle. Now THAT was fun.

I am so happy that your work was recognized and appreciated ! What wonderful news ! I also offer my congratulations to all the winners for a great job well done ! I thought everyones entries were fantastic and all who entered deserve a mighty round of applause ! Whether because Frodo was so worn by his long pains, wound of knife, and venomous sting, and sorrow, fear, and homeless wandering, or because some gift of final strength was given to him, Sam lifted Frodo with no more difficulty than if he were carrying a hobbit child pig-a-back.... Frodo opened his eyes and drew a breath....'Thank you, Sam,' he said in a cracked whisper. 'How far is there to go?' --RotK, "Mount Doom" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Formerly A'amel from days gone by.

A myth is far truer than a history, for a history only gives a story of the shadows, whereas a myth gives a story of the substances that cast the shadows.~Annie Besant Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole, and once it has done so, he will have to accept that his life will be radically changed. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone at TheOneRing.net for picking my poem as one of the winning entries!! I'm very happy to receive the $50 gift certificate, but even more happy that you liked my poem! I enjoyed viewing everyone's entries, and congratulations to all the other winners. I love the creativity and the fellowship that TORN has to offer! Thanks again and best wishes.